Registration Deadline for Group Classes, Family Discount
Summer Term Registration Deadline for Group Classes & Family Discount
Summer Term Registration Deadline for Group Classes & Family Discount
The Center for Irish Music is closed for Memorial Day.
Make up week for Spring Term private lessons.
*In-Person*
Join Alisa and other families to learn the Summer collection of Celtic Cuties rhymes, finger plays, and songs! This year, we are excited to introduce CIM's brand new song book and CD for each of the four seasons. Each student will receive their Summer book and CD on their first day of class. The cost for these materials ($20) is included in the tuition fee. This 6 week class is a great way to introduce your little ones to Irish music and movement.
Please wear comfortable clothing and be ready to sit, stand and move around.
Sibling Discounts: Siblings under 6 months old are free and do not need to register. Siblings 6 months and up automatically receive 50% off their class fee.
Please contact Lily if you need any additional assistance with discounts.
Join us for for Minnesota Irish Music Weekend! Presented by the Center for Irish Music, Minnesota Irish Music Weekend is a unique festival that pairs world-class traditional Irish musicians and teachers with learners of all ages for a weekend of workshops, lectures, sessions and concerts. Each of our visiting artists is recognized for their musical mastery, and will offer insights and techniques to help learners tap into the deep roots of traditional Irish music.
First Day of Summer Term at the Center for Irish Music.
*In-Person Class*
Open Sky Ensemble celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2022! We have a great variety of instruments right now but are always happy to add more. If you know many tunes and have a fair amount of CIM instruction under your belt, come join this fun Monday evening adult ensemble!
New and interested students, please contact Brian Miller at dadgadguy@gmail.com before enrolling.
Additional Information:
Reminder: All ensemble students need to take regular private lessons from a CIM instructor to be in a CIM ensemble.
*Online class*
We derive our inspiration from listening to the greats. In this course Dáithí Sproule will introduce you to a variety of great Irish instrumentalists and singers — and examine the fascinating question of what makes each one great. Dáithí has found it immensely helpful and rewarding, when on his musical path, to be pointed towards a certain musician or singer as worthy of closer listening and learning. In this class, he hopes to pass some of that on to you.
Class will meet on: June 10, June 17, June 24, July 15, July 22, July 29
*In-Person Class*
Join Norah Rendell for a continuation of Introduction to Tin Whistle for Kids class. The tin whistle is a rewarding Irish instrument and a great fit for young musicians with small hands.
Norah will continue to build your child's skills (adding an ornament or two) as you learn a few new tunes this fall: polkas, marches, jigs and songs. Hands-on parental support is needed for regular practice at home.
This class is not open to new students.
*In-Person Class*
A continuation of Spring Term's class, Kate will teach a lovely new whistle tune each week and introduce basic (optional) ornaments such as cuts and rolls. At the end of this course, you'll know a tune from every rhythm family! Each class will include some review of previously-learned tunes, so you will see your repertoire build each week.
All budding whistle players who know at least 3 tunes are welcome to join Kate this summer!
Class will meet on: June 11, June 18, July 9, July 30, August 13.
*In-Person Class*
Are you interested in playing with others in an informal setting, also known as a session, but aren't sure where to start? You are not alone! This class is a great, safe way to experience a weekly session and build your confidence around showing up to other sessions in the future. We will build on your existing repertoire of tunes by learning from each other, while also working on some Twin Cities session classics you can bring to any session around town!
Class will meet on: June 11, June 18, July 16, July 23, July 30.
This class will focus on melody players, but accompanists are welcome as well!
*In-Person Class*
In this class, children will explore traditional Irish Music and learn fundamental music concepts through songs, movement, instrument play, and listening exercises. Parents are most welcome to participate for the first two classes. After that, the children will be on their own.
*In-Person Class*
This summer, we invite current students of our most advanced ensembles (Advanced Youth Ensemble and Starling) to join our Summer Performance Ensemble.
Norah Rendell and Mary Vanorny will co-lead the group, working with a repertoire of tunes from both ensembles, plus new tunes that we learn at the Minnesota Irish Music Weekend.
We'll keep tunes flowing all summer to keep us in top shape for performances at the Irish Fair of Minnesota (August 9-11th) and competitions in Wexford (same weekend).
This summer ensemble is not open to new members. If you are interested in registering for an ensemble in Fall 2024, please send us an email at admin@centerforirishmusic.org.
Additional Information:
Reminder: Weekly private lessons on principal ensemble instrument from a CIM instructor are required. Private lessons with CIM instructors support learning the ensemble repertoire and reinforce technical & stylistic aspects of each student's instrument. Financial aid is available.
The Center for Irish Music is embarking on a community story-sharing project in 2024. We welcome and encourage all of our community to join in conversation with each other, by sharing stories of how Irish music weaves its way into the fabric of our lives. Marking CIM's 20th anniversary, this project makes time for conversation, connection and reflection. By recognizing and uplifting our stories, identities, and backgrounds, together we can help our community grow and evolve.
Stories will be published throughout the year and will be posted below. We hope you enjoy getting to know more about the people who help make the Center for Irish Music a vibrant, diverse, and joy-filled music community.
*In-Person Class*
Directed by Brian Miller with support from Carmen Pasquerella, the Summer Intermediate Ensemble class is open to Swallowtail, Redwing and Beginning Ensemble students who were enrolled in the 2023-24 school year. Summer Intermediate Ensemble is a unique opportunity for you to learn new tunes, practice old ones, learn how to lead a full set of tunes, and to experience arranging Irish music in a group of intermediate-level musicians (mixed instruments).
This summer ensemble is not open to new members. If you are interested in registering for an ensemble in Fall 2024, please send us an email at admin@centerforirishmusic.org.
Additional Information:
Reminder: Intermediate ensemble students are required to take private lessons from a CIM instructor. Private lessons with CIM instructors support learning the ensemble repertoire and reinforce technical & stylistic aspects of each student's instrument. Financial aid is available.
*In-Person Class*
An Luan has been together for many years, and is always on the lookout for new members - especially melody players on fiddle, concertina or accordion! This experienced group of musicians has a history of performing regularly around the Twin Cities with a large repertoire of session tunes and not-so-well-known tunes since 2010. They strive to play great music together and have fun while they are at it.
New and interested students, please contact Brian Miller at dadgadguy@gmail.com before enrolling.
Additional Information:
Reminder: All ensemble students need to take regular private lessons from a CIM instructor to be in a CIM ensemble.
The Center for Irish Music is closed for Independence Day.
*In-Person Class*
Dáithí was born and raised in the city of Derry in the north of Ireland, a place where everybody seemed to have songs to sing. In these classes he will teach a variety of songs he loves and learnt from local singers including Seán Ó hÉalaí, Brian Mullen, Frank Shiels and Kevin Mitchell.
At Irish Music & Arts Summer Camp, kids will meet new Irish music friends, gathering each day to learn songs, try Irish instruments, listen to stories, do arts & crafts, and learn some myths & legends. Camp will also include some dance and games at Newell Park. Instructors will be both senior CIM staff and advanced CIM students. Irish music camp is open to all, whether you play an Irish or non-Irish instrument (or no instrument at all)!
Bring lunch, snack and water bottle each day. For some of the music-specific workshops, campers will be divided by age and/or previous experience with Irish music. Students with no prior instrument experience will learn tin whistle & singing. Tin whistles are available for sale from CIM for $15 each on the first day of camp.
Please contact admin@centerforirishmusic.org with additional questions regarding programming or placement.
**For children going into grade 1 to grade 6.**
*Hybrid Class*
This Summer, we will offer two sections of this class so students can participate remotely and in person at CIM. Please check the location ("Online" or "MULT" for in person) before registering.
Pub songs are raucous, tuneful, and above all, fun! But like the most intricate reel, you need skill and a concentrated approach to play and sing them well. Todd will teach the vocal techniques and rhythmic strategies needed to help you stand and deliver these wonderful ballads and drinking songs. All instruments encouraged.